While service to children and families is the purpose of Global Volunteers programs, working alongside local people is the best way to experience culture and traditions in your host country. Learn more about some of the customs, language and history that comes alive when serving for one, two or three weeks with Global Volunteers.
The Holi festival, known as “Phagu Purnima” in Nepali, is named after the mythical demoness Holika, and is one of the most anticipated annual celebrations in Nepal. A three-day festival of color and joy, Holi is observed on the full moon day, which falls either late February or early March. If you’re fortunate enough to serve […]
Volunteering abroad with Global Volunteers guarantees that you will assist children and families in partner communities while immersing yourself in diverse cultures within some of the world’s most captivating locations. The Cook Islands is one of our service programs whose people and landscapes will captivate you. These free-time options on the main island of Rarotonga […]
We always strive to provide secure, comfortable lodging in all partner communities; a bonus is sometimes, the building where we stay also is culturally and historically significant to the area. Such is the case in Castelvetrano, Sicily, where volunteers are lodged in two guesthouses nestled in the historic city center; the Palazzo al Carmine and […]
Christmas (Xristouyenna- Christouyenna), meaning “the birth of Christ,” is one of the most important celebrations within the Greek Orthodox church. Traditions vary depending on which region or Island one is from. Here are a few of the popular traditions celebrated in Greece as reported by Greece Country Manager Sam Pinakoulaki: Kalikantzari During the 12-day period […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about three unusual things Peruvians do during Christmas. This is #1: Hot Chocolate & During Christmas. #1. Hot Chocolate During Christmas Another Christmas tradition in Peru is drinking hot chocolate. Hot chocolate in Peru is made from cacao melted with milk and sometimes mixed with coffee and spices. Of course, […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, offers the top three traditions in Peru on Christmas. This is #2: Panettone on Christmas. #2. Peruvians love their Panettone on Christmas: For some reason, Peruvians love to eat certain foods during particular times of the year or holidays. We will talk about that later. All you need to know […]
Daniel Salazar, former Peru Country Manager, writes about “three unusual things Peruvians do to celebrate Christmas.” This is #3: Fireworks on Christmas. #3 Fireworks on Christmas: Everyone loves fireworks – except for dogs. You might have pleasant memories of fireworks on the 4th of July or on your trip to Disney. That is nice, but Peruvians take […]
Each summer, since 2000 (except for 2020), Global Volunteers has worked in partnerships with the Blackfeet people on community priorities – focusing on labor, elder services and family health and recreation projects. The first volunteer team in 2022 – 10 individuals aged19 to 73 – served from June 5-11. Thirteen service programs follow through early […]
When you think of Greece, what comes to mind? The rise of democracy? The Olympic Games, ancient history and philosophy, Minotaurs and mythology? Perhaps you think of magnificent temples, the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, sandy beaches, mountain villages, or small windy roads blocked by sheep and goats. Greece is also known as the […]
Volunteers serving in Poland get a unique opportunity to stay at a beautiful and comfortable 200-year-old restored manor house named Reymontówka in Siedlce County. It is, for many volunteers, a highlight of their service program. Reymontówka has a very rich history, having been purchased with award funds by Nobel Laureate Władysław Reymont’s widow, later being […]